The Royal Family Wishes Everyone A Happy Christmas, But Why?

The Royal Family traditionally spends Christmas and New Year at Sandringham House, the Queen’s country estate in Norfolk. In the past, the now-departed Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren took part in their gift exchange on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas Day. The royal family has many Christmas traditions, with some more formal than others. The Windsors make their annual trip to the Sandringham Estate every year, where they typically leave Buckingham Palace just before Christmas.

King Charles III has taken over many beloved traditions once spearheaded by the Queen. The royal family typically leaves Buckingham Palace just before Christmas, and King Charles may prefer a “Happy” Christmas to a “Harry” Christmas this year. For many families, Christmas is fraught with complicated negotiations, especially when key figures are involved.

The Royal Family shares their close connection with and appreciation for the rest of the People of the Monarchy through opening presents on Christmas Eve, hilarious gag gifts, and other ways to get into the holiday spirit. The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast in 1995 reflected on the role of ordinary men and women in bringing peace to troubled places.

One reason why Brits don’t say “Happy Holidays” is that holidays in the UK are more likely to refer to vacations, but “Merry Christmas” is a traditional saying that has been around for centuries to convey a more emotional and unrestrained celebration. The 35-year-old royal dad to Archie shared a special Christmas message with Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity for bereaved British Forces children.

All members of The Royal Household will receive Christmas presents from The Queen, and Her Majesty will personally hand out presents to some members of the Every Christmas. The Princess of Wales will deliver a heartful Christmas message about the importance of love at her upcoming annual Carol service.

What Do The Royals Eat At Christmas?

La comida navideña de la familia real británica es un evento que respeta las tradiciones. En la comida de Navidad, el pavo es el plato principal, acompañado de guarniciones tradicionales como puré de patatas, zanahorias, chirivías y coles de Bruselas. El almuerzo del Día de San Esteban es un poco más ligero, donde se sirven salchichas, ensaladas y sopas. La familia también disfruta de distintos rellenos, como el de salvia y cebolla o castañas. De postre, no puede faltar el pudín de Navidad.

El día comienza con un desayuno que incluye salmón ahumado y huevos, seguido de cócteles antes del almuerzo. En Nochebuena, se realiza un té por la tarde y se intercambian regalos. La cena de Navidad incluye una variedad de vinos, y la Reina disfruta de champán y vino blanco. Además, se celebra un buffet nocturno con diferentes opciones, ofreciendo carnes asadas y galletas de jengibre. A lo largo de las festividades, la familia real sigue disfrutando de sus comidas de manera especial y tradicional.

What Did The Queen Give Archie For Christmas?

Prince Harry shared an amusing story about Christmas gifts during an interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden. He revealed that Queen Elizabeth II wanted to find the perfect present for her great-grandson, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor. Consulting Meghan Markle, Harry said, "My grandmother asked us what Archie wanted for Christmas. Meg said a waffle maker." Consequently, the Queen sent them a waffle maker, which Archie has become quite fond of, asking for waffles every morning.

Harry mentioned that Meghan prepares a "beautiful organic mixture" for the waffles, emphasizing how much their son enjoys them. This anecdote highlights a personal and charming aspect of the royal family, as Archie’s daily request showcases his love for the gift from his great-grandmother. Additionally, Harry mentioned that Meghan had proudly upheld a family tradition by giving him a Christmas ornament.

The royal family's 2021 Christmas card featured Archie and his sister, Lilibet, further illustrating their family moments. The story not only reflects the Queen's thoughtful gesture but also adds a relatable touch to the royal family.

What Does The Royal Family Do With Gifts?

Heads of state often gift presents, a practice that can spark debate. These gifts cannot be sold or traded and automatically become part of the royal collection. Traditionally, the British royal family, including Queen Elizabeth and her descendants, exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve, a German custom. They do not expect extravagant presents, often favoring humorous, joke gifts. Royals must graciously accept gifts from the public during appearances. The Saudi Royal Family, known for lavish gifting, once presented Princess Diana with a luxurious sapphire jewelry suite.

The royal family receives thousands of gifts annually from admirers and foreign dignitaries. Notably, the modern royals enjoy light-hearted traditions, like exchanging gag gifts, with the late Queen Elizabeth II enjoying particularly quirky ones. Official gifts received by royals cannot create obligations and include various acceptable categories, such as food and flowers. Overall, the royals are expected to be givers, adhering to the principle of Noblesse Oblige, which emphasizes their duty to care for the public.

However, there has been criticism over the lack of transparency regarding gifts since Queen Elizabeth's death, breaching established protocols regarding disclosure. An annual list is usually released detailing the gifts received.

How Does The British Royal Family Celebrate Christmas?

The royal family traditionally departs Buckingham Palace for Sandringham House, the late Queen's estate in Norfolk, just before Christmas, where they celebrate the holidays and attend services at St Mary Magdalene Church. Their festive season is filled with playful activities like charades and football, culminating in elegant black-tie dinners. Each year, the royals uphold cherished Christmas traditions, hosting gatherings at Sandringham, known for its cozy atmosphere that has welcomed the family for over a century.

On Christmas Eve, members exchange gifts placed on long tables instead of under a tree, followed by a family dinner. The royal family's approach to Christmas combines their heritage with festive spirit, allowing them to enjoy private time away from official duties. They typically travel via public train to their Norfolk estate, maintaining traditions like attending church on Christmas Day. The Queen, along with other family members, has celebrated Christmas at Sandringham since the sixties, marking several occasions with a Christmas luncheon for extended family.

The royals also participate in various seasonal activities, including sending Christmas cards and bestowing gifts upon Buckingham Palace staff. This blend of regal elegance and familial warmth highlights their unique take on the festive season.

Do British Royals Celebrate Christmas?

The British royal family's Christmas celebrations are steeped in tradition, reflecting their unique customs. Each December, the Windsors travel to Sandringham Estate to celebrate the holidays together. On Christmas Day, they attend a church service at St Mary Magdalene Church, maintaining their faith during the festivities. The royal family's Christmas traditions start on Christmas Eve, allowing them to enjoy the day without the stress of opening presents.

Notable moments include exchanging gag gifts, which adds humor to their celebrations. The royals typically leave Buckingham Palace just before Christmas to spend time at Sandringham House, the late Queen's Norfolk estate. In addition to their intimate family celebrations, the monarch broadcasts a heartfelt message on Christmas Day. The royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, all partake in these long-standing customs, highlighting both family bonding and adherence to royal duties.

The Windsors strive to balance their royal obligations with the warmth of family gatherings. Prince William and Catherine alternate celebrating Christmas with their families, further illustrating the blend of tradition and modernity in the royal family’s holiday celebrations. Overall, their Christmas customs encompass a rich history of traditions lasting over 1000 years.

Why Did The Royal Family Not Want To Give Archie A Title?

When Archie was born in May 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle notably declined to give him the title Earl of Dumbarton, which many interpreted as their wish for him to lead a normal life, free from royal expectations. Meghan has since clarified that the choice was not entirely theirs, citing a "convention" that grants prince or princess titles to the grandchildren of the monarch. According to protocols established by King George V in 1917, great-grandchildren, like Archie, are not automatically entitled to royal titles unless bestowed by the reigning monarch.

Although Meghan indicated that Archie, being seventh in the line of succession, could potentially be a prince in the future, she revealed that the palace had decided against this prior to his birth, which she deemed "different from protocol." She emphasized that this decision not only denied Archie a title but also raised concerns regarding his security. During their interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan expressed her belief that the royal family did not want their son to hold a title, asserting that it was ultimately a matter of birthright that should have been respected.

While Archie is formally known as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, the couple’s choice to omit a title was intended to provide him a more private life, despite ongoing debates over the matter within the royal family.

How Do The Royals Approach Christmas?

The British royal family's Christmas traditions reflect their unique customs stemming from continental heritage, as well as public interest. Each December, the Windsors gather at Sandringham Estate, where Christmas is a grand occasion governed by time-honored customs. One key tradition involves the exchange of family gifts on Christmas Eve, a practice introduced by Prince Albert; these gifts are then opened on Christmas Day after tea. The royal family also maintains the tradition of attending St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning, showcasing their commitment to both longstanding customs and newer festivities.

Christmas Day celebrates a formal lunch, often featuring a turkey roast, and is preceded by a black-tie dinner on Christmas Eve. The morning typically starts with each family member finding a stocking filled with small gifts. The royals' Christmas also includes various holiday activities at Sandringham, allowing them to relax and cherish family connections. Overall, the holiday offers a blend of tradition and modern celebration, with their Christmas broadcast serving as a reassuring link to the past for many of their subjects.

What Does Princess Margaret Give Harry For Christmas?

In his memoir 'Spare', Prince Harry reflects on his relationship with his great-aunt Princess Margaret, often referred to as Aunt Margo. He acknowledges not knowing her well, despite sharing "12. 5" of her DNA. One standout memory he shares is of a Christmas Eve at Sandringham Estate, where he received a rather peculiar gift from her—a tiny biro pen enveloped by a rubber fish. He described this gift as "cold-blooded", highlighting the unusual nature of the present and suggesting a frosty dynamic between them.

During this gathering, as the royal family exchanged gifts, Harry opened this unexpected item marked "From Aunt Margo," further emphasizing the oddity. He portrays Princess Margaret's demeanor as exhibiting a certain coldness, reflecting on the limited warmth in their relationship. This anecdote is just one of many peculiar revelations in 'Spare', where Harry shares insights into family dynamics and his experiences growing up.

The story has sparked a mix of fascination and amusement among readers, with many noting the humorous absurdity of receiving such a gift. Ultimately, Harry's recollection of the Christmas gift serves as a unique glimpse into his royal upbringing and the often quirky nature of family interactions within the royal household.

Why Did The Royals Get Weighed At Christmas?

The tradition of weighing guests before and after Christmas dinner in the British Royal family dates back to King Edward VII's reign (1901-1910). Edward believed that weight gain during their stay signified guests' enjoyment of the feasts. It became a custom for those dining with the royals on Christmas Day to be weighed, ensuring they indulged sufficiently to show on the scales. The tradition has continued over the years, even being referenced in the film "Spencer," where Princess Diana is depicted undergoing this weigh-in.

Royal protocol has guests step on antique scales upon arrival and again after Christmas dinner, supposedly to measure their enjoyment of the festive spread. It’s said that if guests gained weight, it suggested they appreciated the culinary delights presented to them. This peculiar custom aimed to confirm that everyone was well fed and could serve as an amusing aspect of royal gatherings, though many may find the concept mortifying.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward mentioned in 2018 that the Queen upheld this tradition, reflecting the family's rich history of unique rituals. The weighing practice faded during Covid but remains a notable example of the rather unconventional practices among the aristocracy, where gains in weight were both a symbol of satisfaction and a means to allocate dining costs appropriately.

Did Meghan Inherit Anything From Queen Elizabeth?

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is married to Prince Harry, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, but she is not a British Royal by blood. Harry inherited a significant amount from his late mother, Princess Diana, while Meghan is unlikely to receive any inheritance from the royal family. Speculations about Meghan inheriting anything of value from Queen Elizabeth are reportedly unfounded, with insiders indicating that she might not receive any of the Queen’s jewels. Furthermore, royal wills are sealed, so the specifics regarding inheritances remain private.

Following Queen Elizabeth II's death, King Charles III is set to inherit the majority of her estimated $500 million estate, which includes various assets such as art, jewelry, real estate, and investments. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan, who moved to California, have not been left any financial assets by the late monarch. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, may inherit royal titles, but the couple has essentially been excluded from any substantial inheritance. Recent reports suggest that the Queen arranged her will to benefit Kate Middleton, leaving Meghan with nothing, highlighting the complexities of royal inheritance amidst family dynamics.